Pete O'Connell, a retired business owner, has announced he will see seek the District E seat on the Slidell City Council. The election is April 5; qualifying begins Feb. 12.

O'Connell, 67, has been a Slidell resident for 35 years. He and his wife owned O'Connell Photography, which the couple sold in 2010. O'Connell also worked for the federal government for more than 20 years in maritime administration, according to his campaign announcement.

O'Connell, who called himself a conservative Independent, said he has been unhappy with the City Council.

"Anyone who cares about our city can look around and see the need for new leadership on the council," he said in his announcement. "Not only is Slidell no longer friendly to small businesses, but basic administration of city functions and budget management are severely lacking. Being retired, I can and will devote my full time to this position.''

Councilman Sam Caruso, who currently holds the District E post, is seeking re-election.

O'Connell said financial mismanagement has hurt the city.

"In recent years, the city has cried about lower tax revenue, and has cut jobs, services and even benefits to our police officers," he said in his announcement. "The rest of the parish hasn't had that problem. The reasons are obvious."

O'Connell said that he understands the frustration of business owners, particularly small business owners.

"When I built my studio here 10 years ago, the hoops I had to jump through were ridiculous," he said. "But when big box stores want to move into town, the city bows down.''

He said priorities would be to help businesses and restore funding "for public safety - from law enforcement to drainage and maintenance."